Firefighter and Adventure Runner Named CNN Hero

On Tuesday, CNN dubbed Robyn Benincasa, a San Diego firefighter and Ironman known for founding Project Athena, a 2014 CNN Hero.

Despite having two full hip replacements seven years ago, the elite adventure racer has completed 10 Ironmans, placing on podium at two Hawaii World Championships. She is also a three-time Guinness Endurance Paddling World Record holder. Her return to racing inspired her to create the Project Athena Foundation, a group that enables women who have experienced major medical setbacks to “unleash the Athlete and Adventurer within” and complete events like the San Francisco Marathon or a hike across the Grand Canyon.

"I’m honored to be chosen as a CNN Hero, but the Athenas (Survivors) who participate in our Project Athena adventures are the true heroes,” Benincasa said in a press release. “The mission of the foundation is to put Athenas in a position to inspire and amaze themselves – It's not about getting back to what they were, it’s about being the very best of what they are today.”

In 2009, Runner's World named her a Hero of Running for her leadership in the world of women's racing.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.